SELT Practice
SELT test
A SELT test is a secure English language test. UK visa applicants take one at an approved centre to prove their English. GOV.UK names five providers, as of 9 November 2026.
What SELT means
SELT stands for secure English language test. GOV.UK says the test must be on its list, taken at an approved centre and awarded within 2 years before your application (GOV.UK SELT guidance).
After you pass you get a unique reference number. Its name depends on the provider: UER (Trinity), UKVI number (IELTS), Candidate URN (LanguageCert), SELT URN (Pearson) and URN (PSI). You do not send documents. The Home Office checks the result online.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
The five providers
GOV.UK shows these providers as of 9 November 2026.
| Provider | In the UK | Outside the UK | Test names on GOV.UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College London | Yes | No | ISE or GESE |
| IELTS SELT Consortium | Yes | Yes | IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills |
| LanguageCert | Yes | Yes | International ESOL SELT, Academic SELT, General SELT |
| Pearson | Yes | Yes | PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home |
| PSI Services (UK) Ltd | No | Yes | Skills for English UKVI |
A test taken in the UK can be used for UK and overseas applications. A test taken overseas can be used for applications in the UK (GOV.UK).
Two kinds of SELT
Speaking and listening (2-skill) tests are used for citizenship, partner, parent, settlement, International Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business routes. They are at A1, A2 and B1 on the list.
Four-skill tests (reading, writing, speaking, listening) are used for routes such as Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Student and Scale-up. Read more on UK visa English test.
As of 9 November 2026 there is no B2 speaking and listening only test on the list. See B2 English test.
What happens in a SELT, step by step
- You choose a test from the list for your level and country.
- You book at an approved centre and bring your identity document.
- You take the test. A speaking and listening SELT takes about 6 to 22 minutes at the levels on this site, depending on the test, with PSI allowing up to 50 minutes at B1.
- You receive your result by email. See SELT test results times.
- You use your reference number in your visa, settlement or citizenship application.
Where to read about each test
- Trinity GESE (UK only).
- LanguageCert SELT.
- IELTS Life Skills.
- PTE Home.
- PSI Skills for English (outside the UK only).
Changes are coming. The Home Office is buying a new service called HOELT, estimated to start on 1 December 2026. No award was published by 9 November 2026 (Find a Tender notice).
You can practise with an AI examiner on this site. It asks questions out loud and you answer out loud.
Not sure of your level? Take the free level check. It takes a few minutes.
Related guides
What does SELT stand for?
It stands for secure English language test. GOV.UK uses this name for the tests it accepts for UK visas.
Which SELT test is the easiest?
We cannot say. All tests at one level use the same CEFR level. Choose by where you are, live examiner or computer, and how fast you need the result.
Can I take a SELT test outside the UK?
Yes, with IELTS, LanguageCert, Pearson or PSI. Trinity is UK only. PSI is outside the UK only.
How long is a SELT valid?
GOV.UK says a SELT result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded.
Is a SELT the same as IELTS?
IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills are two of the tests on the SELT list. The SELT list also has tests from four other providers.